Welcome to Historical Shelf, your comprehensive guide to the world of historical fiction.
We created this site because we believe historical fiction is one of the most rewarding genres to explore. It combines the thrill of great storytelling with the richness of real history. Whether you’re fascinated by Ancient Rome, captivated by Medieval battles, or drawn to World War II narratives, there’s a historical novel waiting to transport you.
What We Do
Historical Shelf helps readers navigate the vast landscape of historical fiction by providing:
- Series Reading Orders – Complete guides to reading your favorite historical series in the right sequence
- Author Profiles – In-depth looks at the masters of historical fiction, from Bernard Cornwell to Hilary Mantel
- Curated Book Lists – Handpicked recommendations organized by time period, region, and theme
- Time Period Guides – Deep dives into specific eras, from Ancient civilizations to the Cold War
- Beginner Resources – Helpful starting points for readers new to the genre
Our Approach
We’re readers first, curators second. Every recommendation on this site is based on genuine appreciation for historical fiction and careful research into what makes each book, series, or author worth your time.
We focus on accuracy, completeness, and usefulness. When creating a reading order for a series, we include publication dates, chronological options, and contextual information about the books. When we recommend an author, we explain what makes their work distinctive and who might enjoy it.
Why Trust Us?
Historical Shelf is built by readers who have spent years exploring historical fiction across every major time period and style. We read widely, research thoroughly, and update our content regularly to reflect new releases and emerging authors.
We’re committed to providing honest, helpful information—whether that’s pointing you toward a beloved classic or introducing you to an underappreciated gem.
Affiliate Disclosure
Historical Shelf participates in the Amazon Associates Program and other affiliate programs. This means when you purchase books through our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us maintain and improve the site.
Our affiliate relationships never influence our recommendations. We only feature books and authors we genuinely believe are worth reading.
Get In Touch
We love hearing from fellow historical fiction enthusiasts! If you have questions, suggestions, or just want to share what you’re reading, please visit our Contact page.
Happy reading!
— The Historical Shelf Team